Big splash or just a car crash

IT'S the show TV critics have been quick to write off but Celebrity Splash, Channel 7's ambitious ratings gamble for the year, has had impressive first-up ratings in the UK.

The show, hosted by Britain's diving pin-up Tom Daley and local personality Vernon Kay, pulled in a little more than six million viewers when it made its British debut on Sunday night.

It's an encouraging sign for the Australian version, which is set to begin filming in the coming weeks at Sydney's Olympic Park swimming facility - with a view to airing later this year.

Seven remains tight-lipped over the celebrity contestants in line for the show but Confidential can reveal that Matthew Mitcham is a candidate to be a mentor. And rumour has it the program will star new Seven signing Giaan Rooney.Dancing With The Stars judge Todd McKenney has been linked to the series, as has newly-wed Seven starlet Rachael Finch and Sharks hardman Paul Gallen.

The British version's debut episode attracted a bumper audience of 6.35 million but, apart from being savaged by the critics, the show also attracted scorn on social media.